AGRONOM News

[h2]Greetings, Martian Farmers! 🌱🚀 [/h2][p]Summer is finally here—vacation season even reached our indie studio! Half of our team is already relaxing by the sea, enjoying some well-deserved rest, while the other half has retreated to their cozy dachas to level up their gardening skills (gotta keep that farming authentic, right?). Even developers need to learn how to grow potatoes and carrots to inspire our Martian agriculture![/p][p][/p][p]Yet, despite the slower summer pace, we remain incredibly excited about the upcoming second round of AGRONOM Playtests. Your fantastic feedback has already helped us a lot, and we can't wait to show you how your suggestions have transformed the game.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Cargo Station: Now Even More Important![/h3][p]We've finished the detailed 3D model of our Cargo Station, and it's already looking fantastic! Texture creation is ahead, as well as visual effects: dust, bolts and nuts and such. In AGRONOM, the Cargo Station isn't just decorative—it’s your first step towards building a thriving Martian base. You'll start by disassembling some of its damaged components, repurposing them to power your earliest buildings. How cool is that? [/p][p][/p][h3]Greenhouse Interior: Soviet Cozy Vibes[/h3][p]Interiors are finally coming to AGRONOM! Here's a glimpse into our Greenhouse’s current state. Inspired not just by Eastern European brutalism and monumentalism, but also by the warmth and comfort of Soviet-era homes, we're creating an authentic, cozy atmosphere that truly feels like home—even on Mars.

[/p][p][/p][h3]Universal Compartment: Comfort Without Plants[/h3][p]We're also detailing the Universal Compartment interiors, striving to bring the same cozy feel, just without the plants. Expect atmospheric lighting, thoughtful details, and a special vibe that blends nostalgia and futuristic function perfectly. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Technical Gateway: A Link to AgroNova’s Secrets[/h3][p]Last Devlog, we revealed concept art for the Technical Gateway. Now you can see it starting to come alive in 3D. This structure is crucial—it connects you directly to the deeper narrative, allowing you to uncover what AgroNova Corporation has been hiding. Intriguing, isn't it?[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Space Elevator Wreckage: History in the Landscape[/h3][p]Remember the concept art for the Space Elevator wreckage? We’ve begun integrating it into the game’s environment. These pieces will not only enhance the visuals and atmosphere but also guide you around the map and reveal fascinating history about your Martian plot. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Smarter Robot Automation[/h3][p]We've made significant improvements to robot automation based on your feedback from the first playtests: [/p]

• [p]New Gardener Robot: Calm, nature-loving, and very green, this bot carefully plants, waters, and harvests crops, making your farm efficient and vibrant.[/p]
• [p]Improved Robot Assistant Priorities: Robots now find tasks more logically, no longer running across the map or standing idle.[/p]
• [p]Detailed Statistics Screen: Quickly track your robots' locations, tasks, and battery statuses. Already, it's helped us identify and fix robot charging imbalances. Expect shorter charge times and better battery efficiency soon![/p]

[p]Automation is becoming smoother and smarter—and you'll have even more ways to optimize it further![/p][p][/p][h3]Fresh New UI for Building Mode[/h3][p]Our user interface is getting a complete overhaul, starting with the Building Mode. It’s cleaner, clearer, and friendlier—check out our progress below. Let us know how it feels to you! [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Here's a quick look at our upcoming tasks for next month:[/p]

• [p]Continuing our comprehensive UI/UX redesign.[/p]
• [p]Finalizing the second round of Playtests with completed Statistics and Map screens.[/p]
• [p]Finishing detailed textures for the Cargo Station, Greenhouse, and Universal Compartment interiors.[/p]
• [p]Developing new interfaces for the Shop and Quest systems.[/p]

[p]Your ideas, suggestions, and encouragement are the very fuel that drives our development. Your comments, likes, wishlists, and discussions motivate us daily—we’re truly grateful for each and every one of you. So please, keep sharing your thoughts and suggestions. We promise: every single voice is heard and appreciated![/p][p][/p][p]What features or updates excite you the most? Let us know in the comments below—we’re always listening![/p][p][/p][p]Join our Discord Server to chat directly with the AGRONOM Team and fellow players. And don't forget to wishlist AGRONOM—your support means everything to us: [/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]With love and gratitude,[/p][p]The AGRONOM Team 🧡[/p]

[p][/p][p]Thanks to your incredible support and thoughtful feedback, we have tons of exciting news to share from the AGRONOM universe. Grab your tea, buckle up, and let’s dive right into the latest developments! [/p][p][/p][p]But first—important news! We're actively preparing the second round of Playtests for AGRONOM. You can already apply to participate, and we'll happily accept everyone! The exact Playtest dates will be announced soon. And along with the Playtests, expect to see the very first Gameplay video of AGRONOM—stay tuned![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Meet Your New Robot Gardener[/h3][p]By popular demand, here’s our Robot Gardener’s concept art. This green-thumbed robot loves plants and specializes in maximizing your crop growth rates and harvesting efficiently. Excited to see it in action? We sure are! [/p][p][/p][h3]Concept Art: Technical Gateway[/h3][p]Our Technical Gateway isn’t just an environment detail—it’s your window into the secrets of AgroNova Corporation. Expect bold, imposing architecture deeply inspired by Eastern European monumentalism and brutalism. Pretty atmospheric, right?[/p][p][/p][h3]Concept Art: New Fence[/h3][p]Remember the quick fences from earlier Playtests? They've been transformed! Check out these beautiful concept arts—tell us your thoughts! [/p][h3]Cargo Station: 3D Model Progress[/h3][p]Last Devlog featured the Cargo Station concept art. Now we're excited to share its 3D-model progress. We’ve enhanced details and visual storytelling—what else should we add? [/p][h3]Greenhouse and Airlock Models Detailed[/h3][p]Take a closer look at the near-final versions of our greenhouse and airlock. We're particularly proud of the meticulous detail. What catches your eye most? Share your feedback! [/p][h3]Robot Helpers: Builder & Loader[/h3][p]Meet your robot friends again: [/p]

• [p]Robot Builder: Equipped with specialized tools to construct your base quickly and efficiently.[/p]
• [p]Robot Loader: Strong and sturdy, it loves hauling heavy cargo across long distances.[/p]

[p]Which helper is your favorite?[/p][h3]Rusty’s Latest Animations[/h3][p]Rusty, your main robotic hero, got new animations! More animations will debut in our upcoming Gameplay Video—stay tuned! [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Cargo Drone: Your Interplanetary Courier[/h3][p]Cargo Drones deliver produce from Gramps Makar’s farm across Mars—cities, neighbors, and even back to Makar himself! Players can also use drones to request essential supplies from friendly NPCs. What else should our drones carry? [/p][h3]Eco-Friendly Tech: Sulfur Powergenerator & Bio-Generator[/h3][p]These advanced power sources generate significantly more electricity than solar or wind-based tech. You'll be able to set up intricate production chains, mining and refining ore, and crafting complex products to power your Martian base. Eco-friendly never felt so powerful! [/p][h3]Behind the Scenes: Robot Headlights Inspired by Classic Cars[/h3][p]Our charming robot helpers are directly inspired by iconic Eastern European and Soviet-era cars. Selecting just the right headlight shape and glow was crucial in finalizing their lovable look—blending nostalgia and futurism seamlessly. [/p][p][/p][h3]Robot Automation Improved[/h3][p]We've heard you loud and clear—the robots needed better clarity! Here’s what we improved: [/p]

• [p]Smarter Robots: Robots now have clearer priorities and more logical behavior patterns.[/p]
• [p]Detailed Info Window: Production buildings now display detailed information about robots assigned to specific tasks, helping you stay on top of your automation.[/p]
• [p]Color-coded Robots: You mentioned difficulty distinguishing between robot helpers, so we’ve acted immediately! Our new Robot Gardener will be green, and we're considering unique colors for other robots as well to help with easy recognition. Any suggestions for colors? Let us know below![/p][p] [/p]

[h3]Introducing the Martian Day-Night Cycle[/h3][p]Our team is already coding an authentic Martian day-night cycle, complete with Mars's moons—Phobos and Deimos—clearly visible in the sky.[/p][p]Gameplay-wise, this new mechanic brings significant changes: [/p]

• [p]Solar panels shut down at night, demanding smart energy planning.[/p]
• [p]Exclusive night markets appear once every two in-game weeks, with rare deals and special items. We’re even crafting a custom Martian calendar—expect frequent dust storms during Martian summers![/p]

[p]What other nighttime events would you love to see on Mars? Tell us in the comments! [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Graphics and Performance Optimization[/h3][p]Your feedback from Playtests highlighted FPS drops despite the game running on many video cards. While the major optimization pass will happen closer to release, we’ve already conducted several improvements in lighting and landscape optimization. Moreover, our streamlined 3D-modeling pipeline ensures high visual quality without heavy impacts on performance. Expect smoother gameplay—even in the early builds![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Here’s a sneak peek into our plans: [/p]

• [p]Adding essential gameplay features and preparing for the next round of Playtests.[/p]
• [p]Developing the Cargo Station systems: refined orders and in-game shop.[/p]
• [p]Integrating the Space Elevator and Technical Gateway into our main location.[/p]
• [p]Creating the Robot Gardener’s detailed 3D model—stay tuned for updates![/p]
• [p]Finalizing integration of Martian day-night cycle featuring moons Phobos and Deimos.[/p]
• [p]Enhancing visuals on all game models, adding extra details and authentic Martian dust.
  [/p]

[p]Are you excited yet? We definitely are! What feature are you most eager to see next? Drop your comments below—we read each and every one! For more details, join our Discord Server[/p][p][/p][p]And don't forget to wishlist AGRONOM—your support truly means everything to us: [/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]With love, [/p][p]The AGRONOM Team 🧡[/p]

First and foremost, we’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the AGRONOM Alpha Playtest! Whether you played, streamed, created videos, or simply added our game to your wishlist—your support and feedback genuinely mean the world to our small indie team. Over 5,000 enthusiastic Martian farmers joined us, sharing countless valuable insights!

We openly acknowledge that the playtest build was an Alpha version, filled with bugs, rough edges, and plenty of areas needing improvement. Thanks to your valuable insights, we've clearly identified the strengths we should lean on, as well as the weaknesses we need to tackle immediately.

We've read ALL of your feedback left on our review form, here on Steam, on our Discord server, and many other platforms. So let's dive deeper into the specifics!


You loved the concept of automating your Mars farm with robot helpers! Yet, you rightly pointed out that creating intuitive AI-driven automation is far more challenging than the traditional conveyor systems seen in games like Factorio or Satisfactory. You're absolutely correct! However, here's why we're committed to this path:

• Robots as Companions: Mars is lonely, but your robot helpers ensure it never feels empty—many of you shared touching stories of bonding with your robot companions!
  
• Specialized Helpers: Each robot has unique skills and tasks. Balancing these specializations adds depth to your strategy. We're even considering introducing a fifth robot type for better task distribution!
  
• Mars Environment: The challenging Martian weather and terrain make traditional conveyor systems impractical. Robots adapt and optimize their routes—perfect for unpredictable conditions.

You identified key issues in automation:

• Unclear how to start the first automated production chain.
  
• Lack of visible feedback in automation tasks.
  
• Unclear operational radius of buildings (e.g., storage outside HUB radius).

Here's how we're actively addressing your feedback:

• Clearer, more intuitive tutorials for setting up automation.
  
• Informative production interfaces showing assigned robots and their locations (already partially implemented!).
  
• Expanded HUB functionalities with better visualization.
  
• A comprehensive Automation Dashboard showing the status of robots, buildings, and resources at a glance.

[h2]Your improvement suggestions we're already working on[/h2]
Enhanced Flexibility in Priority Management
In the future, you'll gain more precise control over your automation setup. For instance, we’re currently thinking about a feature allowing players to bind specific robot helpers to designated HUBs. Each robot will have clearer and more predictable responsibilities.

Thanks to your feedback, robot AI is already significantly improved—no more frantic dashing across Mars; robots now thoughtfully complete each task before moving on.

Reduced Micromanagement through Improved User Experience
To streamline your experience and reduce micromanagement:

• Comprehensive Tooltips: Hovering over resources or products displays clear, intuitive information about their entire production chains.
  
• Visual Task Indicators: Improved indicators clearly showing task statuses, ongoing processes, and robot assignments.
  
• Unified Dashboard: A central dashboard summarizing operational status of robots, resources, and production buildings at a glance.

Selective Time Acceleration During Storms
You suggested accelerating game time by 2-3x to minimize downtime. Here's our planned approach:

• Storm-Only Fast Forwarding: Selective time acceleration specifically during Martian storms.
  
• No General Acceleration: AGRONOM focuses deeply on immersive first-person automation rather than rapid pacing.

We're delighted by how much love you've shown our robot helpers! Your fan art, screenshots, and kind words have motivated us immensely.

Based on your suggestions, we’re currently working on:

• More expressive animations and richer sounds to make robots feel alive.
  
• Petting animations—because everyone deserves robot cuddles!
  
• Robot customization options (once base visuals are perfected).
  
• Naming robots with a random-name generator provided by your favorite Martian grandpa, Gramps Makar.

Additionally, we're exploring unique robot languages, enabling robots to express emotions and interact naturally!


Thank you for your kind words about AGRONOM's visual style! Even though many assets were unfinished, your excitement showed us we’re on the right path.

Here's what we're improving:

• Varied Martian landscapes and environmental storytelling (sneak peeks in Devlog #9!).
  
• Visible player body and animations coming soon (meet Rusty!).
  
• Adding a Jump mechanic? If we get 25 more comments asking for jump, we'll officially add it to our roadmap!

Your enthusiasm encouraged us to continue collaboration with audio specialists:

• More diverse background music.
  
• Adjusting repetitive sounds to be softer.
  
• Expanding sound effects library (including delivery drone audio!).
  

• Building mechanics: Improved cable connections already updated!
  
• Greenhouse management: Environmental controllers with clearer interfaces soon.
  
• Infinite vegetable production: Carefully evaluating your ideas here!
  
• Map/Compass: Considering detailed Mars terrain map.
  
• Side Quests: Interact with neighbors, fulfill special orders, and earn exciting upgrades!
  
• Technical Issues: Optimizing performance, fixing bugs, and enhancing stability continuously.
  
• In-game Encyclopedia: Detailed descriptions of constructions, resources, lore, and characters coming soon.
  

You clearly let us know that the user interface and tutorial system were among the weakest aspects during the playtest—and guess what? We totally agree! That’s why we're actively working on completely revamping these systems right now.

Here’s exactly what we’re working on, and what’s coming soon:

• We're fully redesigning the logic behind the Cargo Station to make exchanging resources, completing quests and orders, and using the shop more intuitive and user-friendly.
  
• Next, we’ll focus on visuals: brand new, cohesive UI elements are coming, crafted entirely from scratch to perfectly match the cozy atmosphere of AGRONOM.
  
• The building menu is also undergoing significant reconsideration. We're committed to maintaining gamepad convenience, while also greatly enhancing the user experience for keyboard and mouse players. Comfortable gameplay on all devices remains our top priority!
  
• And of course, we haven’t forgotten your justified feedback about huge walls of tutorial text. Trust us, we didn’t like them either! 😅 So we're working hard to ensure tutorials become smoother, more natural, and seamlessly integrated into gameplay. Instead of endless reading, we’ll enjoy clear hints and subtle, organic learning experiences woven directly into the game itself.
  

Our small but passionate team embarked on an ambitious journey, and your feedback has become our guiding star. Automating a farm with charming robot helpers deeply resonates with you, and this fills us with pride and excitement!

We have plenty of work ahead, but your enthusiasm inspires us every step of the way. Let's shape AGRONOM into the game you'll truly love.

Thank you again for being amazing playtesters! Together, we're creating the best automation game filled with adorable robots and cozy Martian adventures!

Don't forget to join our friendly community on Discord to share your thoughts and ideas.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2893250/AGRONOM/
With love,
The AGRONOM Team 🚀🤖🌱

This month has been incredibly inspiring for us and for AGRONOM! We launched our Announcement Trailer, which has already surpassed over 200,000 views! Our warm and supportive community is also growing steadily (if you haven't joined our Discord yet—now’s the perfect time!). Additionally, we ran large-scale playtests involving over 5,000 participants, providing invaluable feedback. We're carefully reading, analyzing, and integrating your suggestions into our development process. We'll soon share detailed insights on how your feedback has directly impacted the game’s evolution, so stay tuned!

We also launched a fantastic new website where you can pet our robots (yes, really!) and subscribe to our newsletter for all the freshest updates.



[h3]Cargo Platform is now Cargo Station![/h3]
We’ve updated the Cargo Platform to Cargo Station to better reflect its significance. It's now the first building you'll encounter on your empty plot, helping you kickstart base development.

The Cargo Station is the central building of your plot! It connects to a big delivery network across Mars. Through this station, you can send and receive cargo, making sure your base always has what it needs to grow.

Installed by the AgroNova Corporation long ago, our Cargo Station was left unused, becoming partially damaged over time. It's one-of-a-kind—you can't build another, and there's only one on your Martian base! Rusty uses parts from these ruins to help rebuild the station and start developing your base.

Every Cargo Station has a built-in generator providing a steady, reliable source of energy. It's not incredibly powerful, but more than enough to support the initial development of your Martian base. Below, you can check out the concept art for the redesigned Cargo Station—let us know what you think!

[h3]Concept Art of Mars Environment[/h3] We're beginning to diversify our Martian landscapes—especially around Gramps Makar’s plot and its surroundings. Enjoy this early glimpse into the future beauty of our Martian environment!



[h3]Builder Robot Animations[/h3] Our robots have been getting a lot of love, and it makes us happy to see your enthusiasm! Check out the incredible new animations of our Builder Robot—what a character!

[h3]Robot Assembler[/h3] Here's the machine you'll use to assemble your trusty robot helpers. Pretty cool, right?



[h2]Enhanced 3D Models[/h2]
We've been working extensively to refine our 3D models. Previously, in our trailer and playtests, you saw basic "blockout" models—simplified versions for faster prototyping. Now, we're ready to showcase near-final models with richer details and textures. Buildings are looking more vibrant and engaging than ever!

Check out the updated Universal Compartment, complete with intricate wiring and buttons.

Here are improved models of the Cooking Station and Composter.

And introducing, for the first time—the Geo Scanner! The Geo Scanner is a quest-related item that will help you discover hidden secrets on Mars—things you were not meant to know!


This month, our landscape received significant optimizations:

• Material optimization from a singular heavy-load material to a layered and blended approach.
• New engine updates enabling height-based blending between layers, greatly enhancing visual realism.
• Transitioning to the updated engine version also enabled us to use Nanite technology, allowing for displacement maps that create much more realistic and dynamic terrain.

We're also working on visualizing new environmental concept arts. Check out these fresh screenshots straight from the game:



We've completed programming the storyline for our playtests, a prequel introducing Gramps Makar and Auntie Masha. Following the release, we quickly deployed two updates to support playtests and have now moved on to new challenges—like redesigning and updating the logic and interfaces of the Cargo Station.



We’ve developed and integrated a compelling prequel narrative for AGRONOM. In this prequel (featured in playtests and soon in our Demo), you'll experience events several years before the main storyline. Step into Rusty's shoes for his first field trial under Gramps Makar’s supervision. Help Auntie Masha manage her farm while she's delayed on an interplanetary trip—especially with AgroNova Corporation eagerly awaiting their cut of the harvest!

This prequel lets you explore Auntie Masha’s farm, while in the main game, you'll build your own base from scratch on Gramps Makar’s land.

This month, we aim to finalize core gameplay mechanics, enhance our 3D models, and introduce exciting new animations. We'll also simplify and improve the introductory tutorial experience based on your feedback. After fully analyzing your suggestions, we'll integrate new features—details to be revealed early next week!

And for those who read to the very end—here’s a little surprise! We've started working on a gameplay teaser! Let us know in the comments what you're most excited about and want to see! Stay tuned for more updates!

For more details, join our Discord server.
And don't forget to wishlist AGRONOM—your support truly means everything to us:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2893250/AGRONOM/

With love,
The AGRONOM Team 🧡

[h2]Hello, Martian Farmers! 🌱🪐[/h2]

We've officially closed registration for the AGRONOM alpha Playtests! Huge thanks to everyone who signed up—we granted access to everyone who requested it.

[h3]We Need Your Feedback![/h3]
Please share your thoughts, emotions, ideas, bug reports, screenshots, and gameplay videos. Your input is incredibly valuable and directly influences AGRONOM’s development. You're the first explorers of this Martian farming adventure, and your feedback truly shapes our game.

[h2]Important to Note[/h2]
This is an early game version. We’re aware of existing bugs and rough spots and are already working hard to smooth things out. Hopefully, nothing major prevents you from enjoying the game!

[h3]Upcoming Improvements[/h3]

• A completely redesigned and enhanced User Interface—clearer and more visually appealing.
  
• More detailed and polished 3D models.
  
• New animations and expanded in-game content.
  
• Improved Automation with robots.

[h3]Story Context[/h3]
This alpha test scenario is a special prelude to the main AGRONOM storyline, uniquely created for this Playtest. It’s not simply a segment of the final game—it's something fresh and exciting we've crafted especially for you!

Thank you again for your support and participation. As a thank-you, especially valuable and detailed feedback will earn you a spot in AGRONOM’s credits!

Enjoy your Martian journey!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2893250/AGRONOM/

With love,
The AGRONOM Team 🧡